Danfreight Systems
Danfreight Systems is a Quebec-based long-distance trucking company operating 120+ tractors and 220 trailers across North America, specializing in refrigerated and dry freight transport between Quebec and the US West Coast, primarily serving food-sector and produce-distribution clients.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1998
- HeadquartersJoliette, Canada
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Danfreight Systems does
Danfreight Systems Inc. (DFS / Systèmes Danfreight) is a Joliette, Quebec-based long-distance trucking carrier founded in 1998 by Daniel Bérard and operating as part of the privately held Groupe Connexion conglomerate. The company runs one of the largest truck and trailer fleets in northeastern North America — approximately 120 tractors and 220 trailers, with nearly 400 dedicated employees — and specializes in full-load dry freight and refrigerated transport along the Quebec–American West Coast corridor, with service extending from Atlantic Canada through Ontario, the Western provinces, and into multiple US states. Its primary customer base consists of food-sector companies, produce importers and exporters, and major grocery chains requiring temperature-controlled transport for fruits and vegetables moving from the US into Canada, supported by isotherm trailers, constant temperature monitoring, and team-driving for uninterrupted long-haul service.
The company's technology layer is built on the DFS Tracker customer-facing mobile and web application, the ISAAC Instruments in-cab GPS tablet system, and the Lynx refrigeration monitoring platform, which together provide real-time location, temperature, and driver-operations visibility across the fleet. Operational R&D partnerships with Michelin (X-One wide-base tires and aerodynamic components), Navistar and Peterbilt (truck and engine technology), and DRIVERCHECK (drug and alcohol screening) underpin a fuel-economy program that has produced 10–15% fuel savings and an ecological washing facility that recycles 80% of water used.
Commercially, DFS generates revenue through transaction-fee long-haul transportation services (per-load refrigerated and dry freight), with quote-based pricing negotiated enterprise by enterprise; the DFS Tracker is positioned as a subscription/recurring visibility layer. GTM is enterprise field sales targeting major food chains and produce distributors, supported by C-TPAT, FAST, and PIP trusted-trader certifications that expedite cross-border operations. The company is privately held with no disclosed external funding rounds.
Danfreight Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Danfreight Systems
- Legal name
- Danfreight Systems Inc.
- Website
- https://danfreight.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1998
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Danfreight Systems is a Quebec-based long-distance trucking company operating 120+ tractors and 220 trailers across North America, specializing in refrigerated and dry freight transport between Quebec and the US West Coast, primarily serving food-sector and produce-distribution clients.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Danfreight Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Long-Haul Trucking and Freight Transportation Services
- NAICS
- Specialized Freight (except Used Goods) Trucking, Long-Distance (484230), Specialized Freight (except Used Goods) Trucking, Long-Distance (48423), Specialized Freight Trucking (4842)
- SIC
- Trucking (No Local) (4213), Trucking & Courier Services (No Air) (4210)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Chilled / Fresh Transport (Refrigerated) (TLADAHAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Produce & Floral Cold Chain Logistics (TLAIAIAH)
Keywords
Where Danfreight Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Joliette
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Danfreight Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Long-Distance Freight Transportation: Core revenue from long-haul trucking services between Quebec and US destinations, including both dry freight and refrigerated transport. Services include full load delivery, team driving, and specialized produce transportation.
- Refrigerated Transport Services: Temperature-controlled transportation services for perishable goods, particularly fruits and vegetables from US to Canada, featuring isotherm trailers and constant temperature monitoring.
- DFS Tracker Application Services: Real-time shipment tracking services for customers, providing visibility into cargo location and delivery status.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Long-haul driver compensation based on scalable pay system |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels7 records
Danfreight Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Danfreight Systems provides long-distance freight transportation services between Quebec and US destinations (particularly the West Coast), operating one of the largest truck and trailer fleets in northeastern North America with 120+ tractors and 220 trailers. The company specializes in both dry freight transport and temperature-controlled refrigerated transport for perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables, supported by real-time GPS tracking (ISAAC), the DFS Tracker customer-facing shipment visibility application, and the Lynx refrigeration monitoring system.
Product overview
Danfreight Systems (DFS) is a long-distance trucking and logistics company founded in 1998, operating one of the largest truck and trailer fleets in northeastern North America with approximately 120 tractors and 220 trailers. The company's core offering is a suite of interconnected transport and logistics services centered on two main pillars: (1) transportation services comprising Dry Transport (dryload) for dry freight and Refrigerated Transport for temperature-sensitive perishables (specializing in produce from the US to Canada), both operating primarily on the Quebec–American West Coast corridor; and (2) a technology-enabled logistics layer that includes the DFS Tracker application (a real-time shipment tracking mobile/web app), the ISAAC GPS fleet tracking system with in-cab tablet computers, and the Lynx System for refrigeration monitoring. These digital tools are bundled with operational support services including an on-site mechanical workshop with ecological washing facilities and a training and safety program. The company positions itself as a technology-forward carrier, leveraging telematics, GPS tracking, and real-time temperature monitoring across its fleet to deliver end-to-end visibility and quality control for its customers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- DFS Tracker: Real-time transport tracking application developed specifically for shipment monitoring
- DFS Experience
Products and services
- Dry Transport (Dryload) Full load dry freight transportation service operating between Quebec and the American West Coast, serving customers across the Maritimes, Ontario, and Florida. The service is provided directly via the company's own fleet of 120+ tractors and 220 trailers.
- Refrigerated Transport Temperature-controlled transport service for perishable goods, primarily fruits and vegetables, featuring isotherm trailers, constant temperature monitoring, and real-time tracking. Service routes operate between the United States and Canada, including Quebec to California in 3-4 days.
- Logistics Services Comprehensive logistics department providing fuel routing, local procurement and repair coordination, automatic weighing, and preventive maintenance via telematics to support the company's long-distance trucking operations and customer service needs.
- DFS Tracker Application A mobile and web application that enables customers to track their shipments in real time 24/7, providing visibility into shipment progress, delivery status, and location at any hour on any device.
Quantifiable outcome
- 3-4 day transit time from Quebec to California
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Danfreight Systems
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Danfreight Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature9 records
Danfreight Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- MichelincoreStrategic R&D partnership with Michelin for development of energy-efficient tires, aerodynamic components (deflectors, skirts, mud flaps), and fuel economy technologies. DFS was among the first in North America to adopt Michelin X-One wide-base tires, achieving 10% fuel economy improvement.
- NavistarcoreR&D partnership for development of truck technologies and engine optimization. Navistar engineers have expressed appreciation for DFS's innovative vision and dedicated work in transportation technology.
- PeterbiltcorePartnership with Peterbilt truck manufacturer for fleet acquisition and development. DFS operates Peterbilt 579 and 587 model trucks, working closely with manufacturer on energy efficiency improvements.
- Mobil OilminorMentioned as a partner in DFS's R&D lab recognition, with Mobil Oil engineers expressing appreciation for DFS's innovative approach to transportation.
- ISAAC InstrumentscoreGPS and satellite tracking technology provider. DFS uses ISAAC tablet computers for real-time shipment tracking, location monitoring, temperature readings, and driver-operations communication.
- DRIVERCHECKcoreDrug and alcohol screening certification provider. DFS is certified by DRIVERCHECK to perform internal and external drug and alcohol screening tests for driver compliance.
- Groupe ConnexioncoreParent company of Danfreight Systems Inc. Groupe Connexion provides management services and includes sister companies such as Vegkiss (produce growing and packaging), forming a complementary network.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Danfreight Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Schneider National: Schneider National is a leading US long-haul, intermodal and logistics provider with a major temperature-controlled/refrigerated truckload segment serving food producers and retailers across North America. Directly comparable to Danfreight's refrigerated long-haul produce offering.
- Challenger Motor Freight: Challenger Motor Freight is a Canadian asset-based truckload carrier operating cross-border lanes between Canada, the US Midwest and US Southwest with refrigerated and dry service. Comparable to Danfreight as a privately held, Canadian-based cross-border TL with overlapping lanes and customers.
- Day & Ross: Day & Ross is a Canadian LTL, truckload and logistics provider with cross-border service into the US Northeast and a dedicated logistics division serving retail and food customers. Comparable to Danfreight in cross-border TL/LTL, food-sector customers and Canadian origin-destination patterns.
- Canada Cartage: Canada Cartage is one of Canada's largest asset-based trucking providers, specializing in dedicated and truckload services for retail and CPG customers, including temperature-controlled food distribution. Directly comparable to Danfreight's B2B truckload and refrigerated contract service model.
Emerging players
- Heartland Express: Heartland Express is a US irregular-route truckload carrier with refrigerated and dry segments serving shippers across North America. Comparable to Danfreight as a refrigerated truckload competitor on overlapping cross-border produce and consumer freight lanes.
Broad incumbents
- Knight-Swift Transportation: Knight-Swift is the largest truckload carrier in the US with refrigerated, LTL and logistics segments. Comparable to Danfreight in refrigerated long-haul trucking, but operates at vastly larger scale across a national network.
- Werner Enterprises: Werner Enterprises is a US-based truckload and logistics carrier with dedicated, one-way and refrigerated services serving major retailers and food shippers. Comparable to Danfreight in long-haul refrigerated and dry truckload, though with a much larger fleet and broader US footprint.
- TFI International: TFI International is one of Canada's largest transportation and logistics conglomerates, with LTL, truckload, logistics and dedicated refrigerated capacity serving North America. Comparable to Danfreight as a Canadian-headquartered, multi-segment carrier with refrigerated expertise and cross-border reach.
- Mullen Group: Mullen Group is a diversified Canadian transportation, logistics and warehousing provider with multiple operating units in trucking, LTL, warehousing and specialized hauling. Comparable to Danfreight's Canadian long-haul asset-based model, though with a broader service portfolio.
- XPO Logistics: XPO Logistics is a major North American LTL and asset-based trucking provider serving retail, industrial and food customers. Comparable to Danfreight in North American truckload and refrigerated capability, but as a much larger multi-mode incumbent.
Market position
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Danfreight Systems social profiles
Digital presenceDanfreight Systems compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Danfreight Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Danfreight Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Danfreight Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Danfreight Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Danfreight Systems
What does Danfreight Systems do?
Danfreight Systems provides long-distance freight transportation services between Quebec and US destinations (particularly the West Coast), operating one of the largest truck and trailer fleets in northeastern North America with 120+ tractors and 220 trailers. The company specializes in both dry freight transport and temperature-controlled refrigerated transport for perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables, supported by real-time GPS tracking (ISAAC), the DFS Tracker customer-facing shipment visibility application, and the Lynx refrigeration monitoring system.
Is Danfreight Systems a public or private company?
Danfreight Systems is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Danfreight Systems founded?
Danfreight Systems was founded in 1998. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Danfreight Systems based?
Danfreight Systems is headquartered in Joliette, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Danfreight Systems make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Long-Distance Freight Transportation is the primary driver. The others are refrigerated Transport Services and DFS Tracker Application Services.
Who are Danfreight Systems's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Schneider National, Challenger Motor Freight, Day & Ross and Canada Cartage. Heartland Express is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Knight-Swift Transportation, Werner Enterprises, TFI International, Mullen Group and XPO Logistics.
Does Danfreight Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for Danfreight Systems.
What industry is Danfreight Systems in?
Danfreight Systems's product category is Long-Haul Trucking and Freight Transportation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLADAHAG, Chilled / Fresh Transport (Refrigerated), with a secondary code of TLAIAIAH, Produce & Floral Cold Chain Logistics. Its NAICS code is 484230 and its SIC code is 4213.